Lamar Hazel 96 of Newberry passed away Tuesday January 17 2012 at home among his family. Mr. Hazel was born in Saluda County on July 30 1915 where he spent his youth before moving to Newberry with his family in 1929. He was educated in the Newberry School Systems before continuing his education at Spartanburg Methodist College. There he met and married Grace Marie Close of Okeechobee FL in 1939. Mr. Hazel was the oldest member of Central United Methodist Church where he was always very active. As former choir member his deep voice was easily recognized whether singing or praying. He was a longstanding member of the Chesley Cannon Bible Class. Mr. Hazel was employed by Kendall Company supervised the weave room at Mollohon and Oakland Mills and was a member of the Newberry Masonic Lodge #87 AFM for more than 70 years. After retirement he was an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his produce with everyone. It is said he was the epitome of a gentleman husband and father and was sometimes referred to as The Judge. Mr. Hazel is survived by his children Charles Alvin (Loxie) Hazel Nancy Carole (Mike) Sangaline Robert Ernest (Barbara) Hazel Susan Hazel (Dr. Lynn) Derrick thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Grace and their two children Patricia Grace Hazel and Donald Lamar Hazel; parents Alvin E. and Hannah Merchant Hazel; sister Matilda Hazel Crooks; and brother James Edward Hazel. He was also predeceased by his second wife Emmer Beatrice Miller Hazel of Newberry. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday at Central United Methodist Church by the Rev. Karen Radcliffe. Interment did follow in Rosemont Cemetery. The family did receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry. Pallbearers were grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Phyllis Ashford for her loyal care given to Mr. Hazel in his last years and to thank the nurses home health aids and Chaplain Orlando McCauley with Palmetto Health Hospice. Memorials are suggested to Central United Methodist Church Stained Glass Fund PO Box 67 Newberry SC 29108. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.